There is no shortage of so-called “hyphenates” in the entertainment industry. Writers who act; actors who produce; producers who direct; directors who are CEOs. But few people in this field wear quite as many hats as Hareem Farooq. She acts, sure. You may have also seen her in one of the many commercials she’s featured in or as she graced countless runways, and numerous high fashion campaigns of luxury brands. She also produces, having co-produced multiple projects with her childhood friend and producer Imran Raza Kazmi as a partner for production house IRK Films.

But Farooq didn’t quite waltz into showbiz just like that. She helms from a family where acting wasn’t considered a career. Her passion for acting didn’t let her pursue a law degree and make a mark in a court room, but she definitely captivated audiences on stage. Having acted in theatre plays for five years, Hareem shares how she ventured in TV and film: “Azfar Jafri, the director and I are really good friends. He had been working on the film (Siyaah) for about three years.

Since it was an independent movie, unfortunately, he didn’t have many choices. It was hard to convince people to work on it so he had to choose from those who weren’t as experienced. He knew I had done a few plays and approached me with the project. We didn’t take it as a formal movie project; it was just a couple of friends coming together, working on something they were really passionate about.”

That said, Farooq has become one of our film’s most prolific creatives. Her producing credits include Parchi, Janaan, and Heer Maan Ja. Her previous acting efforts include dramas like Diyar-e-Dil, Main Khayal Hoon Kisi Aur Ka, and Sanam, to name a few. While she has also acted in films like Siyaah, Dobara Phir Se, Janaan, Parchi and Heer Maan Ja. Her many passions (and job titles) converge with the release of all these films and dramas.

Off screen, the damsel is vivacious, optimistic and kind. She mingles quite amicably with everyone and loves her work. She has a notable quality – the power to connect instantly! A star in her own right, she is as friendly and down-to-earth as one can be, being a prime example for those who confuse stardom with vanity.

• Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Hair & Makeup: Arshad Khan
• Designer & Jewellery: Huma Adnan
• Photography & Styling: Yasser Sadiq